TATTOO AFTERCARE
SECOND SKIN
Your artist will apply the first layer of Second Skin after your tattoo. Some ink, blood and plasma collecting underneath is completely normal.
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Keep the first Second Skin on for approximately 24 hours. Remove it sooner if it leaks, the seal breaks, the edges lift significantly, or you experience blistering or irritation.
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Remove under warm running water. Gently lift a corner and slowly stretch the film back over itself, keeping it close and parallel to the skin. Never rip it off dry.
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Once removed, wash thoroughly with fragrance-free antibacterial soap, pat dry with disposable paper towel and allow to air dry for 10–15 minutes.
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You can then either begin standard aftercare or apply a fresh piece of Second Skin for up to a further 3–5 days maximum.
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Once the replacement Second Skin is removed, do not reapply another piece. Continue with standard aftercare using a thin layer of Cocoa Butter or Tattoo Goo 2–3 times daily.
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Avoid picking, scratching or peeling your tattoo, and do not submerge it in water while healing.
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Important: Blistering may indicate a reaction to the adhesive. Remove the Second Skin immediately and contact the studio for advice.
DOWNLOAD OUR FULL SECOND SKIN AFTERCARE GUIDE For full removal instructions, applying replacement Second Skin, moisturising, things to avoid and signs of a problem, download both pages of our aftercare guide. Need help? Contact Distinktion Tattoo Studio on 07947 615007 if you have any questions or concerns during healing.
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CLING FILM
If your tattoo has been covered with cling film, follow these steps:
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Remove the cling film after approximately 2 hours. Once removed, do not rewrap your tattoo.
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Wash gently using warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Use clean hands only — no sponges or loofahs.
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Pat dry with a disposable paper towel and allow the tattoo to air dry for 10–15 minutes.
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Apply a thin layer of Cocoa Butter or Tattoo Goo — just enough to leave a slight sheen without excess product sitting on the skin.
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Continue to wash the tattoo morning and night and moisturise 2–3 times daily, or whenever it feels dry or tight, for approximately 2 weeks.
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Do not scratch, pick or peel your tattoo. Allow any peeling or scabbing to come away naturally.
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Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs and saunas for at least 3–4 weeks, and keep the tattoo away from direct sun while healing.
Important: Never rewrap your tattoo, if unsure always contact the studio for advice.
DOWNLOAD OUR FULL CLING FILM AFTERCARE GUIDE For full instructions on cleaning, moisturising, the healing process, things to avoid and signs of a problem, download our complete Cling Film Aftercare Guide. Need help? Contact Distinktion Tattoo Studio on 07947 615007 if you have any questions or concerns during healing.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
WHAT TO AVOID WHILST HEALING
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Shower Sensibly: Keep showers brief (under 10 minutes) to prevent loosening scabs, which can impede healing.
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Avoid Immersion: Refrain from swimming in the ocean, pools, or hot tubs/saunas until your tattoo has fully healed.
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Hands Off: Resist the temptation to scratch, scrub, or pick at your new tattoo to prevent interference with the healing process and potential scarring. Use the recommended balm for relief from itching.
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Sun Safety: Wait until your tattoo is completely healed (around 6 weeks) before exposing it to sunlight or using tanning beds. Always use high-quality sunscreen afterward, but never on a healing tattoo.
PIERCING AFTERCARE
Once your piercing has been completed, follow these steps to support a smooth healing process:
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Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing. Otherwise, leave it alone.
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Clean the front and back of your piercing with sterile saline wound wash (0.9% sodium chloride) 2–3 times daily.
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Dry gently using a clean disposable paper towel, gauze or fresh cotton swab. Do not twist, turn or play with your jewellery.
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Keep your original implant-grade titanium jewellery in place during healing. Avoid gold or silver jewellery for at least the first 12 weeks.
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Be careful when purchasing your own jewellery, particularly online, as the quality and materials can vary. We’re always happy to check your jewellery before you change it.
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Avoid pools, hot tubs, bathwater, tanning beds, spray tans, makeup and lotions around the piercing for at least 3 weeks.
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Keep bedding and clothing clean, and avoid knocks, snagging, pressure and sleeping directly on the piercing.
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Mild swelling, tenderness, itching, light bleeding and crusting can be normal. Piercings heal from the outside in, so they may look healed before they are fully healed internally.
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Do not remove your jewellery during healing. Piercings can shrink or close very quickly.
Preferred cleaning method: Sterile saline wound wash (0.9% sodium chloride).
Sea salt alternative: Mix ¼ teaspoon of non-iodised sea salt with 250ml (1 cup) of warm distilled or previously boiled water. Allow boiled water to cool before use.
DOWNLOAD OUR FULL PIERCING AFTERCARE GUIDE For full instructions on cleaning, saline options, jewellery care, what to avoid and what to expect during healing, download our complete Piercing Aftercare Guide. Need help? Contact Distinktion Tattoo Studio on 07947 615007 if you have any questions or concerns about your piercing or healing.
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WHAT TO AVOID WHILST HEALING
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Keep It Clean & Dry: When showering, avoid direct high-pressure water on your piercing and gently pat the area dry afterward with a clean paper towel.
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No Swimming: Avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas, lakes, and the ocean until your piercing is fully healed, as bacteria and chemicals can cause irritation or infection.
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Do Not Touch or Twist: Avoid touching, spinning, or playing with your jewellery. Picking away any crusting can delay healing and lead to irritation or scarring. Always wash your hands before cleaning your piercing.
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Avoid Irritation: Be careful with clothing, hair, headphones, helmets, and sleeping positions that may snag or put pressure on the piercing while it heals.
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Protect the Area: Avoid makeup, fake tan, skincare products, and sunscreen directly on or around the piercing until fully healed. Excessive sun exposure can also irritate a healing piercing.
